Based on the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, this musical stage adaption injected life in to the popular children’s story.

Muireann Bird and Edward Day both enchanted as romancing scarecrows Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay, bringing playfulness, humour, and sweet song to the script.

Perched on a ladder, gently playing accordion and banjo as the audience was seated, the pair, clad in dungarees and wellies, looked like happy hillbillies.

The set of this Scamp Theatre Production was inventive with its climbable green hill and the farmer’s armchair, which converted in to Reginald Rake’s fast car, complete with headlights.

Paul Brendan made a comical, quick stepping Rake, complete with smooth French accent, singing “I’m outrageously handsome” as he tries to steal Betty while Harry was off in search of items on their wedding list.

Brendan also showed versatility, playing the narrator, farmer, and an array of creatures, including finger-puppet geese, and a snail with a Brummie accent.

The children’s picture book was faithfully retold, with each scene padded out with humorous action and delightful songs such as Silver Moon Shine and The Passing Of The Seasons composed by Darren Clark.

Young children watching remained entranced throughout the hour and all cheered as confetti finally fell on the pair.

Four stars